PHS2022

Physics

Dr Greg Jakovidis

8 points - Four 1-hour lecture/problem classes and one 4-hour laboratory class per week - Second semester - Clayton - Prerequisite: To have attempted PHS2011

Objectives On the completion of this subject students will be able to calculate the energy levels for a simple harmonic oscillator, understand how spectroscopic notation is used in multi-electron systems; explain nuclear structure models and how radio-active decay schemes are characterised; use Gauss's law and Faraday's law for simple physical systems; explain the various terms that arise in Maxwell's equations; state and understand the significance of the laws of thermodynamics; explain in thermodynamic terms how engines and refrigerators work; calculate thin lens properties using the thin lens formula, describe a range of optical instruments and their uses; perform a series of measurements on experiments related to the above topics; write up experimental reports presenting results and analysing and discussing them.

Synopsis This subject comprises four units. (1) Atomic and nuclear physics: hydrogenic atoms, multi-electron atoms, binding energy and ionisation, atomic spectra; atomic models, L-S and J-J coupling; x-rays and x-ray spectra; nuclear structure, nuclear binding energies; nuclear models; radioactive decay; conservation laws and nuclear fission and fusion. (2) Electromagnetism: development of Maxwell's equations (Gauss', Ampère's, and Faraday's laws) as differential equations; displacement current; polarisation in dielectric and ferromagnetic materials; vectors P, D, M, and H; permeability and permittivity of isotropic media. (3) Optics: geometrical optics of thin lens, matrix formulation; wave properties, polarisation and birefringent media; optical materials, dispersion; interferometers and instruments exploring diffraction; laser beam optics. (4) Thermodynamics: concept of temperature, thermal equilibrium, laws of thermodynamics, engines and refrigerators, reversibility and irreversibility; entropy, free energy and thermodynamic potentials; phase transitions.

Assessment Examinations (4x1.5 hours): 67% - Laboratory work: 33%

Prescribed texts

Hecht E Optics 2nd edn, Addison-Wesley, 1987
Lorrain P and Corson D R Electromagnetism: Principles and applications 2nd edn, Freeman, 1990
Serway R A and others Modern physics 2nd edn, Harcourt Brace, 1997

Back to the 1999 Science Handbook